Center Helps Make Beautiful Music at Fairview Park

Ellen Schulze teaches a young musician the fun of harmonica improvisation.

Segerstrom Center staff members were out in force in Fairview Park to help make Costa Mesa’s final Concert in the Park for 2013 a special celebration in honor of the city's 60th anniversary. Center teaching artist Ellen Schulze, known as “the Puppet Lady,” was there to welcome youngsters and help them make their own harmonicas out of items easily found around the house. Schulze is most often seen at local schools and community events showing children how to explore the world and history through the magic of puppet crafts. 

For more information about the Center’s education programs and teaching artists, visit www.scfta.org/artsteach.

The Center Receives Santa Ana Commendation

Terry Dwyer receiving special commendation from Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido.

Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido presented Center President Terry Dwyer with a special Award of Recognition at the May 7 City Council meeting. In his remarks, Mayor Pulido expressed thanks on behalf of the city for the Center’s contributions to the schools, students, educators and residents of Santa Ana. Many schools and students in Santa Ana have benefited from a range of programs offered by the Center, including Arts Teach, Summer at the Center and special events conducted by the casts of the Trey McIntyre Project, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, In the Heights and STOMP. 

Not Just Horsing Around!

© Doug Gifford

Audiences coming to Segerstrom Center for the Arts to see War Horse can explore a winner’s circle of fun and fascinating facts on the Orchestra Level lobby. There is a special interactive exhibit that illustrates the artistry and history behind the show as well as WWI artifacts and uniforms. They will learn more about the magnificent “Joey” puppet created by Handspring Puppet Company, see behind-the-scenes footage featuring Adrian Kohler and Basil Jones - puppet designers for War Horse, try their hand at operating a puppet created in the style of “Young Joey” and learn from an American WWI soldier what life might have been like during “The War to End all Wars.” 

The WWI soldier is none other than Center Arts Teach artist Jon Monastero, a former history teacher and actor who brings historical characters to life and the puppetry artist is Arts Teach artist Rogue Artist Ensemble.

© Doug Gifford

© Doug Gifford

Opportunities to Reach the Artists and Audiences of the Future

The Center has an extensive roster of exceptionally talented teaching artists who offer more than 3,000 sessions throughout the region each year. Each of these specially-trained teaching artists meets the high standards that we require of this group, with equal emphasis on artistry, instruction and engagement.

To continue to meet the changing needs of the community we serve, we are always on the lookout for new artists to join our ranks especially in the areas of ballet folklorico, beat boxing, hip hop, mariachi, musical theater, string quartets, guitarists, jazz ensembles and visual artists.

If you know of an artist or artists that you think would make an valuable addition to the team, click here to learn more about this program.

Summer School Success with Arts Teach

Summer school came to a successful end as students from Saddleback Valley Unified School District completed a special arts education program that lasted four weeks. The students, who are second language learners ranging from second to eighth grade, gained access to arts education that would otherwise be unavailable during or after school for most. Students took two classes a day for four days a week.

They delved into art technique and learned how to express themselves creatively while studying other subjects such as history and math through integrated art lessons.  Research proves the gap between native and second language learners often widens during summer months when students are not in school. This program provides opportunities for students to practice formal English language skills ranging from speaking, listening, reading and writing, which will help close that achievement gap. 

For more information about the Center’s Art Teach program please click here.

 

John Zeretzke demonstrating music to third graders

Andrew Grueschow leading students in session

Center Artists Shine at Annual Showcase

Origami and papermaking expert Peggy Hasegawa

Musical comedy from Razzle Bam Boom

Each year, the Center’s Arts Teach program helps nearly 400,000 school students and community partners experience performances and events that inspire and ignite imaginations through music, dance, theater and visual arts. These professional artists on the Center’s roster specialize in school assemblies, family nights, student workshops, teacher professional development and residencies.

On Wednesday, May 16, the artists gathered in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall to meet educators, parents and PTA and community center administrators and to demonstrate how lives and educational experiences are enriched and enlivened by the arts. To learn more about the Center’s Arts Teach programs, visit SCFTA.org/artsteach or call (714) 556-2122, ext. 4310.

Percussion and dance with Street Beat

Photos by Joesan Diche